Former Phillies star Bob Boone won’t get COVID vaccine, will resign from Nationals front office
1980 Phillies champion Bob Boone resigning from Nationals after COVID vaccine mandate
Former Philadelphia Phillies star Bob Boone will reportedly resign from his role in the Washington Nationals front office rather than comply with their COVID-19 vaccination mandate.
The elder Boone, who was a Nationals Vice President and Senior Advisor to GM Mike Rizzo, confirmed that he and the franchise were “unfortunately” parting ways on Wednesday. He has been with the Nationals organization since 2005, is 73 years old. His age puts him at higher risk for the coronavirus.
Boone was drafted by the Phillies in the sixth round of the 1969 June Amateur Draft, and made his MLB debut with the club in 1972. He would go on to spend the first decade of his 19-year career in red pinstripes. In 1973, he finished third in Rookie of the Year voting, and over his time with the Phils, was a three-time All-Star and won back-to-back Gold Gloves in 1978-79. The following year, he was part of their first-ever World Series championship.
Bob Boone won’t get vaccinated despite his son, Yankees manager Aaron Boone’s heart condition
Boone is the son of All-Star infielder Ray Boone and the father of current Yankees manager Aaron Boone and former MLB player Bret Boone. They are one of five three-generation MLB-player families. Boone’s grandson Jake (Bret’s son) is currently in the Nationals farm system, too.
Aaron Boone got vaccinated in March 2021 and has encouraged his Yankees players to do the same. He has a pacemaker, which helps regulate his heartbeat; he also had open-heart surgery in 2009. Heart conditions like his place him at higher risk for the disease that has gripped the planet since early 2020.
The 2021 Phillies are one of the least-vaccinated teams in MLB, one of just six franchises to not reach the 85% vaccination threshold.